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Overview

Plenty of pop singers talk the talk when it comes to taking chances -- but Christina Aguilera really walks the walk on this ambitious, exciting double album. The blonde bombshell sets the bar high for herself, intro-ing the disc with a promise to honor "the soul singers, the blues figures, the jazz makers" -- and later, in "Back in the Day," name-checking such giants as Etta James and Marvin Gaye. The thing is, she sails over that bar with surprising ease, revealing an uncanny affinity for '40s-era vocal sass on the va-va-voom nugget "Candyman" and a genuine flair for old-school blues on the Billie Holiday-channeling "I Got Trouble." Much like the folks she's paying homage to, she even tempers the lasciviousness with a shot or two of church-borne testifying -- most notably on the swooping "Makes Me Wanna Pray." Not all of Back to Basics is that old-school, of course. The first disc is largely given over to tunes that let Aguilera push her pipes to the limit over sample-savvy dance floor beats -- a Gladys Knight snippet pops up in the low-slung "Slow Down Baby" -- and gritty funk bass lines (see the appropriately titled "Still Dirrty"). It's impossible, however, to listen to the disc without coming to the conclusion that Aguilera is a changed woman, having come a long way from her days as a spinner of sugary pop confections. She's no longer just playing soul-diva dress-up -- she's actually become the real deal.

Editorial Reviews

When Christina Aguilera released her garish, sexually charged sophomore effort, Stripped, in 2002, it seemed that she pushed her obsessions with tweaking taboos just a little too far. Sure, she could still sing, but her music was now driven entirely by skeletal club grooves and explicit carnality. It was a bold break from the teenybopper persona she was desperate to shed, but it was overcorrective steering, taking her a little bit too far down the road toward a grotesque caricature, particularly in her ugly video for the album's lead single, "Dirrty." All this grandstanding provoked an intense reaction, not just among fans but among her collaborators, who also wondered if Christina was going a little too far, but she managed to keep from sinking largely on the strength of the ballad "Beautiful," an empowering statement of self-love that managed to dampen "Dirrty"'s impact even if it didn't erase it. It also set the stage for the next phase of her career: as an outright old-fashioned diva, much like Madonna or Cher. Smartly, she followed this path for her third album, the sprawling, deliriously entertaining double-disc Back to Basics.
The title alone on Back to Basics is an allusion that perhaps Christina herself thinks she might have gone a little too far with Stripped; she stops short of offering an apology -- she even has a song where she proclaims she's "Still Dirrty" -- but this album's emphasis on songs and singing, along with the fixation with the big-band era, does suggest that Aguilera is ready to be once again seen as a world-class vocalist. Nevertheless, Back to Basics also makes clear that Stripped, for as flawed as it is, was also a necessary artistic move for Christina: she needed to get that out of her system in order to create her own style, one that is self-consciously stylized, stylish, and sexy. As the endless series of pinup photos in the album's booklet illustrates, Christina is obsessed with earning credibility through association: she dresses up as a big-band vamp and drops allusions to Etta James, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin, all under the assumption that listeners will think of Ms. Aguilera as the heir to that throne. While she may have the vocal chops to pull it off to a certain extent, Back to Basics doesn't quite feel like it belongs to the classic soul and R&B tradition, even if the second disc is designed to be an old-fashioned jazzy R&B album, complete with bluesy torch songs and occasionally live instrumentation. Aguilera's instincts are too modern to make the album sound classic. She remains stubbornly autobiographical -- she disses departed producer Scott Storch on "F.U.S.S.," again addresses the abuse inflicted on her mother by her father, spends much of the album detailing her love for her new husband, Jordan, and always filters everything through a very personal filter that makes this seem like a journal entry à la Alanis Morissette (even "Thank You," subtitled as her dedication to her fans, isn't about the fans; it's about how Christina has inspired them, saved their life, or kept them going while stationed in Iraq -- all stories recounted in the voicemail that runs throughout the track). Her lyrics remain bluntly direct, particularly when she talks about sex: "Candyman" makes her cherry pop and her panties drop, while the "Nasty Naughty Boy" will receive "a little taste of the sugar below my waist." That combined with the slick, precise computerized production means that even when Christina tries to sound classic, she winds up sounding like the present.
But that's what's good about Back to Basics -- even though she strives hard to be a classic soul singer here, she can't help but sound like herself, and surely there is no other big-budget pop album in 2006 that bears the stamp of its auteur so clearly. As she did on Stripped, she has gotten to indulge herself here, but where she was more concerned with sound than structure last time around, on Back to Basics she spends just as much time on song and structure, often coming up with strong, memorable ballads and dance tunes on both the dance-oriented first disc and the slow-burning second. Of course, she reveals more than she intended through her indulgence. Try as she may to sound like a classic singer from the '40s, she really seems to have learned all of her moves from Madonna in Dick Tracy; whether she's shaking her hips to a canned brass section or breathing heavily into a microphone, every move seems to have been copped from Breathless Mahoney -- and that's not just on the campily retro "Candyman" (which sounds like a rewrite of "Hanky Panky"), but it's also true on the deliberately modern numbers like "Ain't No Other Man," whose stabs of sampled brass sound straight out of early-'90s jazz-rap. When Aguilera does stray from the Madonna template here, it's to wander into Fiona Apple territory on the second disc -- with its loping piano, "Mercy on Me" is a dead ringer for anything from When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King. There are hints of a couple other artists here -- some echoes of Norah Jones on the torch songs -- but the fusion of Madonna and Fiona Apple is so inspired and unexpected, it sounds original because nobody else would have thought of it, or put it together in such wildly weird ways as Christina does here. Sure, Back to Basics is way too long at two discs and some of it doesn't work quite as well as the rest, but it has far more hits than misses and it holds together as an artistic statement (certainly more so than any other album made by one of her teen pop peers). It may be all about style, it may be a little crass and self-centered, but it's also catchy, exciting, and unique. It's an album to build a career upon, which would be a remarkable achievement by any measure, but coming after the near career suicide of Stripped, it's all the more impressive.

All Music Guide - Stephen Thomas Erlewine

"Ain't No Other Man" comes from her...double-album, "Back to Basics." It's devastating: all hard drums and horn blasts, with Ms. Aguilera delivering a series of nimble vocal runs and roaring ad-libs....How on earth will she top this?

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Makes you glad God had Christina answer our prayers!
I loved this album it is fun and if your like me, you love old movies and music, it is fun and enjoyable and again some of those songs you sing when you need to. Every track is a hit, even the introductions. My favorites:
&quot;Makes Me Wanna Pray&quot;, &quot;Ain't No Other Man&quot;, &quot;Save Me From Myself&quot;, &quot;Mercy on Me&quot;, &quot;Still Dirrty&quot;, &quot;Here to Stay&quot;, &quot;The Right Man&quot;,&quot;I Got Trouble&quot;, &quot;Candyman&quot;, &quot;Hurt&quot;. The most surprising tracks are &quot;Oh Mother&quot;, &quot;Fuss&quot;, and &quot;Welcome&quot;. Which talk about Christina's childhood and problems in her career and social life a bit. It is incredible and we get to see Christina Aguilera mature into a happy, married woman at the time it was recorded and get to see her as a fully grown adult topic and adult artist all the way. Worth it to anyone who truly loves music, throwback music, and even if they love big band and Michael Buble' 's music they will love it and cherish it. It shows Christina at her happiest and her best musically, although I am sure she will blow our minds again someday soon. She is worth it.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Simply put, &quot;Back To Basics&quot; is an INCREDIBLE album that brings Christina Aguilera's credit as an artist to a whole new dimension. The sounds on this album feel like authentic oldschool classics, but they have a unique modern touch. The songs are so organic and authentic to the point where you forget that its oldschool-inspired and just focus on the songs themselves. Disc one is an impressive funk collection

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

jetgibson

More than 1 year ago

to my surprise I really enjoyed the collection of music. she definitely has a matured vocal range which is rare these days with singers. her voice is very pure and her pitch seems perfect with every note in every song. I think she is a rare talent who will continue to redefine music/lyrics in the future.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

After listing to this on and off I realizes that this album has it&#8217;s moments but it won&#8217;t be on heavy rotation on my personal player. This album has been promoted as a throw-back-retro of the blues, jazz, and soul cultivated during the past five decades unfortunately it really doesn&#8217;t measures up to the task. Imitation this time is less than flattering to the R&B artists she holds in such high esteem. Admittedly she has a great and mature voice as evidenced by her collaboration with previous artist&#8217;s this album, however, is characterized by self-indulgent songs that certainly capture the power of Aguilera's life and times, but these songs are not an affirmation of the great music exemplified by the blues, jazz, and soul from previous generations. Inspired by her recent marriage (which is great) but at the same time revisit certain subjects from "Stripped" such as the abuse her and her mother suffered at the hands of her father which is unfortunate but starts to get a bit redundant at times. The music overall is ambitious, yet obvious in that fact that she is trying way too hard to garner critical acclaim for the whole retro aspect. There are some good tracks in this album but too many filler&#8217;s at the same time. The power again is her voice, but sometimes it is a little too loud and over done, to the point of being harsh. The tracks that stood out to me though are "Oh Mother", "Without You," and "Hurt"- she sings more softly and sound beautiful in these tracks. I will also add "Ain't No Other Man," &#8220;Candy Man,&#8221; and "Mercy On Me" because she sounds very natural on these songs. I really hate having to be negative on this album but she left me no choice. I think next time don&#8217;t strain yourself to create an &#8220;out-of this-world&#8221; album Christina just make one simply effortless.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Christina is back finally with a hot new single. Her new single is raw and I believe she will be here for a while. Unlike Britney Spears who uses her off clothing to sell music. Christina is way hotter and can sang. Welcome back Christina Love U

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Words can not express the talent of christina, I was not a big fan when she first came out, but since her CD Stripped , I have been a huge fan! this new CD has topped the charts for me, not only is she the best singer out there, she is original, no one can touch this new CD... I have never heard anything like it before,

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Now, what would a 56 year-old guy be doing buying a Christina Aguilara CD? Answer: this is fantastic music that suggests to me that this young lady is one of the greatest singers to come along in quite awhile. Christina has a deep connection to the music. Her pacing, timing and expression on this work leaves me breathless. On this two CD set, I find Disk One to be well done, but not for me. When I popped in Disk Two, though....WOW! Of all the work on this CD, my personal favorite is "Mercy On Me." I find myself listening to it over, and over....and over.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

This album rocks...there are two discs and the entire album provides an eclectic mix from everything from pop, to jazz/blues, to somewhat of a big band with a modern twist. Christina was always talented, but this album proves exactly how diverse she really is in her range. It was a great fall/winter purchase.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Christina Aguilera, despite her questionable attire and the fact that she tends to be overly sexual, has always been one of my favorite singers because she possesses what I feel is most important in an artist: an outstanding singing voice. Each song that I heard (I've only listened to the first disc) was pure magic, my favorites being "Still Dirrty", "Makes Me Wanna Pray", and "Understand". Great CD from an even greater artist.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Back to Basic is just simply amazing ....it is a instant classic & album of the year.... Christina is back & on fire!!!!!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

her variety, her style, her control, her volume -- subtle yet provocative, christina has come out with a more mature album, encompassing different feelings and emotions, yet still showing us her amazing voice. this album is a stand out because the concept is like none other. she let's us in once again into her mind, adding to her stripped album but shows her growth and maturity. christina is here to stay.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I'm usually not one for Christina Aguilera. But her song "Ain't No Other Man" caught my attention and I decided to try her album out. You know, give it a try. I was none other than floored. Not only has she eliminated her traditional poppiness, but she's added class and smooth music to her track record. I absolutely love 'Hurt'. Simply beautiful. However, it seems to lack something. It's just a little over blues-y and Jazzy. That's not to say I don't love the album, because I do.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I just love her new album, Back to Basics. Its jazzy, but still with a modern touch. I love Makes Me Wanna Pray, Back in the Day, Still Dirrty just to name a few. She's still got it. It was worth the long 4 year wait for this album!!!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Christina is always been good as she get into something new...fom being a Genie to the expression of being STRIPPED came ot he very best as a young and soon to be legend artist. Back to Basics is a deep album just like Stripped..the difference is that the Xtina is Stipped have been outspoken form her darkest expeiences...bt in B2B she really has proven that she's no playing with he career just like her counteparts.. First CD - Modern Jazz..that's it. Understand- threat to Alicia Keys... Back In The Day-got the beat goin'..hot song! Still Dirty- phenomenal song! Mary J. listen! Makes Me Wanna Pray- moden gospel track! Hurt- it really hurts and great BALLAD! Save Me From Myself- raw Christina comes out! OVER-ALL - THAT'S ALL MUSIC SHOULD SOUND!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

The Pop singer was recently steped out of the STRIPPED Phase and moved on to the Blues phane. The resilts of this change was extremely outstanding. Congrats to Xtina for releasing such an amazing album.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

What I love about Christina Aguilera, is that she consistently manages to transform her image with every album. In my opinion, 'Back To Basics' is a great album. The first disc is my favorite, as it does sound like material that Aretha Franklin or Marvin Gaye would record nowadays. The second disc is pretty good too, but not my favorite as some of the songs on their are just a little lifeless. Tracks worth a listen are: Back In The Day, Makes Me Wanna Pray, Oh Mother, Understand, On Our Way, Slow Down Baby, Without You, Mercy On Me and Still Dirrty. Songs that didn't really impress me were: The Right Man and Here To Stay, as her vocals just don't seem to fit the tempo. Overall a great throwback record with AMAZING vocals and beats. I will definately be buying the official copy when it's released.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I am a big fan of the music from the 20s, 30s and 40s. I fell in love with this album from the first time I listened to it. It has a variety of sounds to it, ranging from blues/jazz to big band. The highlights from this album are: Back in the Day, Slown Down Baby, Still Dirrty, Candyman, Nasty Naughty Boy and I Got Trouble.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

"Back To Basics" is a fantastic album that brings Christina Aguilera's credit as an artist to a whole new dimension. The sounds on this album feel like authentic oldschool classics, but they have a unique modern touch. The songs are so organic and authentic to the point where you forget that its oldschool-inspired and just focus on the songs themselves. Disc one is an impressive funk collection. There's the song of the summer, "Ain't No Other Man" - with the blaring horn blasts and funky beat. Another highlight of the album is "Slow Down Baby" which is another funky dance groove. On a more emotional note, "Oh Mother" pays tribute to Aguilera's mother and acknowledges that pain of her childhood abuse. Lastly on Disc One is "Here to Stay". The horn blasts and funky beats make this song's message clear: Christina Aguilera is definitely "here to stay" in the music world, proving that talent is the key to longevity. On Disc 2, we find a more burlesque feel. The second disk is characterized by burlesque-show tunes and some gorgeous vocal ballads. On the upbeat and peppy "Candyman", Christina goes all out with the burlesque theme by using some big band swing music. Next, she tones it down a bit with a slow and sensual "Nasty Naughty Boy". Aguilera then channels through the old soul icons like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald on "I Got Trouble", which is not a cover, but an organic composiiton that truly sounds like an old classic soul number that Holiday, herself, would sing. Christina shifts gears again and dives into a haunting ballad, titled "Hurt". The ballad is a gut-wrenching emotional piece that simply gives you chills. "Back To Basics" proves to be a milestone in Christina Aguilera's career she's matured a bit, as displayed in her intelligent lyrics and musically, she's matured as well, with this collection of intelliegently composed songs. This album cannot be overlooked simply, Christina's greatest work so far.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

......and better than ever!!!!!. I've got to tell you something about this girl. When her self titled debut came out in 1999, I had thought, "Man does she got talent." She had some great songs on that record too including the singles "Genie In A Bottle", "What A Girl Wants", "I Turn To You", "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)", and "Reflection"-from Disney's Mulan. These were some great songs to start her carrer off on the right track. A year later in 2000 , she came out with a Christmas album called My Kind Of Christmas featuring the holiday classics like "Oh Holy Night", Angels We Have Heard On High", and "The Christmas Song"(Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire). The Album also featured some new songs by Christina including "Christmas Time", "This Year", and "X-Tina's X-Mas". After coming out with a video DVD and a concert DVD, She took a little break before coming with her 3rd smash album 2 years later in 2002 called Stripped. This album featured 5 chart-topping singles including "Dirrty"-feat. Redman, "Beautiful", "The Voice Within", "Can't Hold Us Down"-feat. Lil' Kim", and the showstopping "Fighter". These 5 singles showed that Christina could take on all kinds of music including pop, rock 'n' roll, r&b, rap, and slow songs. This album also featured "Get Mine, Get Yours" as well as "Impossible"-Alicia Keys played the piano on that track. She also wrote the song for Christina as well. Christina then took a break and then came back to record a song for the movie Shark Tale. She recorded the classic song "Car Wash" with Missy Elliott. She also was featured on Herbie Hancock's new album Possibilities. They did a song called "A Song For You". Then she got married to a guy named Jordan. Now, after 4 years of waiting, Christina releases a 4th album. The album has a bit of jazz in some of the songs which means she can take on anything. The album features the new debut single "Ain't No Other Man" which is played across America today. The album also features the songs "I Got Trouble" and "Mercy On Me". This album is in the top 20 on thsi site. Buy this album. It's worth the money. Christina can sing better than anybody else today in the music business. SHE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Her previous albums were good. But "Back To Basics" is superb. With this work she proves once again, she is above and beyond all her other "so-called competition" (which they never were) Spears and Simpson.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I never buy CDs & I bought this one the first day it came out. I'm happy to report that I didn't waiste my money. Both CDs are awesome. I feel that she is the most talented female singer in music today. And it helps that she writes all of her own music.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

when have you seen chirstina aguilera lip sing to her back to basics album she has never done so.. she did in stripped once when she lost her voice. but other than that she hasnt... christina would never lip sing and she is ten times better than any solo artist out there just people these days dont know good music or talent if it hit them in the face. this album is amazing buy it you wont be sorry.. Outstanding

Guest

More than 1 year ago

"Back to Basics" opens doors and sends the message loud and clear that this woman is the real thing. While she may not dress the best or what have you she absolutely can sing. This is the kind of music that gives you goose bumps. Personally "Ain't No Other Man" is not one of my favorites. There are many, many other amazing songs through out the album including "Save me From Myself", which is one of the standout tracks. It really strips down her voice and shows off her raw talent without all of the typical runs. As a music lover of all genres I have to give Christina props.

When Christina Aguilera began her decade of hits back in 1999 she was instantly overshadowed
by her fellow New Mickey Mouse Club alumni Britney Spears, who was first out of the gate with Baby One More Time and wound up ...